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Law firm silent on MP's concerns over benefits case

Ulster Unionist MP Tom Elliott. Picture by Mal McCann
Ulster Unionist MP Tom Elliott. Picture by Mal McCann Ulster Unionist MP Tom Elliott. Picture by Mal McCann

A LEGAL firm representing a benefits cheat remained silent yesterday following an MP's concerns over how his comments about their client were used in court.

Ulster Unionist MP Tom Elliott is to contact the lord chief justice over a statement he provided about a man convicted of benefit fraud.

On Monday Clive Miller, a former soldier from Enniskillen, was given a suspended jail sentence for claiming housing benefit while owning properties in Spain.

He received income support despite having more than £280,000 in his bank accounts, and between 2002 and 2010 was overpaid benefits worth almost £40,000.

Dungannon Crown Court heard the defendant's legal team had a reference from a "senior politician" that "spoke glowingly of his work in the voluntary sector".

Mr Elliott said he was not sure if he was the senior politician mentioned. He confirmed he did provide a statement, but insisted it was not a character reference.

"I confirmed that I knew him. That is what I was asked. I knew him in the context of him coming to me with constituency issues," he said.

Speaking to the BBC, the Fermanagh and South Tyrone MP added: "Obviously I will be taking it forward with the lord chief justice.

"I would have concerns if that simple acknowledgment or answering the question that I confirmed I knew the person is taken as a reference."

Miller was represented by Holywood-based firm Hunt Solicitors and barrister Conan Rea, according to the Court Service.

They did not respond yesterday to requests by The Irish News for a comment on Mr Elliott's concerns.

Miller, of Coleshill Crescent, admitted four charges of failing to declare a change of circumstances to the Social Security Agency.

Two charges of money laundering were left on the books. The judge sentenced the 47-year-old to 12 months in prison, suspended for two years.